What type of fuel control system is predominantly used in modern gas turbine engines?

The predominant type of fuel control system used in modern gas turbine engines is FADEC, which stands for Full Authority Digital Engine Control. FADEC represents a significant advancement in engine management technology, as it utilizes digital processing to manage fuel flow and optimize engine performance.

FADEC systems are designed to control all aspects of engine operation, including fuel metering, ignition timing, and operational parameters like engine start and shutdown sequences. By employing sophisticated algorithms and real-time data analysis, FADEC can make instantaneous adjustments to fuel flow based on a variety of factors such as altitude, temperature, and engine load. This ensures maximum efficiency, performance, and safety throughout the engine's operational range.

In addition, FADEC systems enhance the engine's reliability by reducing the number of mechanical components required for fuel control, thus minimizing the likelihood of mechanical failure. The full authority aspect means that the digital control unit has complete control over the engine's performance parameters, allowing for more precise fuel metering compared to older mechanical systems. The integration of such advanced control systems is essential for achieving the high-performance standards expected of modern turbofan engines.